Greg Dawson, whose former roles include European digital and comms director for Samsung Electronics and comms director at Virgin Atlantic, joins as vice-president, comms and public affairs, Ford of Europe, on 8 August.

He will succeed Mark Truby, who moves to the role of vice-president, comms, Asia-Pacific.

Dawson and Truby will both report to Ray Day, group VP, comms, and to regional Ford bosses.

Day said: "Mark will help us continue aggressive communication of our fast-growing Asia-Pacific business.

"Greg will help us continue the progress we have made within comms in Europe, building on the creativity, innovation and broader stakeholder engagement we have put in place."

Dawson is currently head of global public affairs for multinational paint manufacturer AkzoNobel.

Meanwhile, Karen Hampton, the present Asia-Pacific comms chief, will move to the new position of executive director, Ford Smart Mobility Communications, on 1 August. She will be based on Ford’s Dearborn plant in the US.

Day said: "Karen will report to me and will lead our comms strategies, plans and programmes around all elements of Ford Smart Mobility, including core activities, emerging opportunities and mobility services."